Reaching Net Zero Feasibility Study for the Maison Verte du 375e in Montréal

The borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville wants to conduct a feasibility study on rehabilitating one of its heritage buildings so that it will generate net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The borough plans to restore, enlarge and redevelop this vacant building, built in 1875, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The building will be used as a museum, with offices for community and paragovernmental groups, and possibly a sidewalk café. The adjacent property will also be redeveloped as an experimental garden showcasing the use of sustainable development techniques in urban farming. Among other things, Ahuntsic-Cartierville will examine the building’s structure and architecture, study the feasibility of the solutions considered and do a financial analysis for the work. In addition to limiting the building’s energy consumption, numerous sources of clean energy will be considered for the building’s requirements: wind power, solar panels, geothermal power, etc. Organized in view of Montreal’s 375th anniversary, this green house project incorporates sustainability principles for waste management and selection of appropriate materials and techniques to optimize the life of the project and limit its environmental impacts. Ahuntsic-Cartierville will also consider adding electric vehicle recharge stations and environmental management of rainwater. The rehabilitation of this building will generate a number of social and economic benefits by involving companies and social economy organizations that work with the local public, as well as with the educational aspect of the project. The Maison verte (green house) project is part of a much larger project to revitalize the banks of the Rivière des Prairies for which two public consultations were held in the summer of 2012. In Montreal, the project is a first and can be used to inform the public and business community about the technologies used. With coverage through the electronic, traditional and social media, this project can also serve as a model for any Canadian community interested in applying sustainable development principles to urban recreation and culture. (Project description from original funding application)